Utah's Lessons and Potential

The State of Utah has a rich history due to its location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. with unique features Utah's location provides it with some of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. When the pioneers arrived in Utah in 1847 it was nothing but a vast wasteland, with Indian inhabitants from Utes, Anasazi, Piutes, and Navajo tribes to name a few. These Indians tribes had learned how to adapt and survive in the rugged environment such as the deserts, high mountains, badlands and marshes they found themselves in.

Utah has not become the state it is overnight. It took hard work and many years of persistence and determination to build the great state of Utah. After the pioneers arrived in Utah Brigham Young, the religious as well as political leader of the State sent out members of his faith to settle in many places and were not restrained to just the state of Utah as we know it today. The pioneers faced many problems after settling in Utah. There were incursions with Indians, severe friction with the US government, especially during the Buchanan years and during the Utah War, and properly adapting to the new geographic environment they lived in. Orson F. Whitney described it in such way, “Aside from its scenic splendor there was little to invite and much to repel in the prospect of their [pioneer's] view. On all sides a seemingly interminable waste of sagebrush bespangled with sunflowers, the paradise of the lizard, the cricket and the rattlesnake.” Refining agriculture techniques for for crop cultivation and working with stone from the mountains coupled with great faith and perseverance the pioneers began to build Salt Lake City and Utah into a beautiful place to live.

Utah became a popular spot and at times, a place to settle for those seeking to gain fortunes in the California gold rush. With the completion of the railroad at Promontory Point on May 10, 1869 many more people and goods flowed into Utah. Mining was increasingly enhanced inasmuch as it could be easily shipped abroad. Many stayed to make and to lose their fortunes in mining. From the 1860s to the 1920s hundreds of copper, silver, gold, and lead mines were opened in nearby canyons, including Bingham Canyon. Gigantic smelters were later built to refine the ore.
During the twentieth century Utah began to expand exponentially economically and demographically. From 1900-1930 the state Capitol was built along with many other historic buildings in Salt Lake City. Public transportation, which included a trolley system that was eventually phased out by buses and infrastructure were built to take people all throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Streets were paved and sewer systems were installed. The population of Salt Lake City tripled. The great depression hit Utah and construction slowed during the depression years. During the 60’s construction was let loose again. This time however, many businesses were built in the suburbs outside of Salt Lake. Steps were then taken to revamp the downtown area to keep up and stay competitive with what was going in the suburbs. This contributed again to population increases. In the 70’s many beautification projects were undertaken, augmenting the quality of the city and creating a delightful atmosphere in Salt Lake City. During the 80’s and 90’s the skyline was improved with the expansion and remodeling of many of the buildings downtown. The airport was also updated. These decades preceded the Winter Olympics in 2002, which brought the world to Utah.

Utah’s success can be attributed to many hardworking people who over the years have been governed by proficient principles creating an affluent atmosphere. Utah has an exceptionally diverse economy that has adequately adapted to its unique geography. These include financial services, general services, manufacturing, mining, farming and military and government jobs. Utah’s unemployment remains well below the national average and enjoys a relatively successful standard of living for its citizens. Many people from various states have sought residence in Utah due to its economic opportunities, low cost of living and familial atmosphere. Utah is also a hotspot when it comes to tourism and recreation. Utah’s mountains contain adventure from skiing in the cottonwoods to hiking the subway in Zions National Park. Many people also come to Utah to hunt, fish, rock climb, hike and tour the many great sites that Utah has to offer.

Utah’s success can be shared with other mountain regions of the world that are striving to replicate what Utah has done and the vibrant economy it has created and one way to do this is becoming part of the Mountain Partnership. The Mountain Partnership is an international group of Non-government Organizations, mountain nations and communities and other relevant groups. Their goal is to enable global activities under an agenda of sustainable mountain development help mountain communities to work together, create networks, exchange ideas, and exchange best practices. The Mountain Partnership also seeks to coordinate efforts of mountain communities and together with the on-line Mountain Forum facilitate important dialogue and cooperation. Utah is an international exemplar for success in a mountain region. In a short period of time Utah has been able to do amazing things. Utah now has the potential to lead and teach other mountain communities to do what it has done. Countries that have had trouble developing strong economies with similar geographies include many nations such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Algeria, Sri Lanka and Bolivia. These countries have been plagued with civil wars, economic stagnation, poverty and deprivation, this fosters an environment that breeds terrorism and compounds the initial problem. As we have seen in Afghanistan this can result in the cultivation of illegal drugs and despotic, radical regimes that can negatively impact the global community. Utah has the capability to teach these nations how to effectively implement principles that create an ambience for not just economic growth but greater quality of life also.
The former Soviet state Tajikistan is a perfect example of this. With cotton being its most important crop and having the potential to provide jobs, to an already suffering economy. Some of the bigger challenges facing the agricultural sector are extreme debt and methods and equipment are outdated. Just as Utah, Tajikistan also has incredible mining opportunities in silver, gold, tungsten, uranium, but this sector is also antiquated not being able to realize its full potential. Many of these economic complications stem from the Tajik civil war from 92-97. Tajikistan has economic potential, it just needs good guidance and direction. It has a similar geography as Utah, and Utah is qualified to help.

Through the Mountain Partnership Utah has the ability to network and share ideas with these nations through an organization called the Mountain Partnership. One of the main goals addressed by the Mountain Partnership is to “address the challenges facing mountain regions by tapping the wealth and diversity of resources, knowledge, information and expertise, from and between one another, in order to stimulate concrete initiatives at all levels that will ensure improved quality of life and environments in the world’s mountain regions.” There are many nations that are desperately seeking to enhance the quality of life in their countries through reform and economic stability. Many of these nations just need a leader. Utah has a unique opportunity to be this leader and aid these countries productively with knowledge and experience.

By Jesse Gray, Student at Utah Valley University

Photos Courtesy of: http://utahwaterboys.com/utah-water-the-purest-in-the-world/
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=93987&page=72http://www.asianews.it/files/img/TAJIKISTAN_Farmers.jpg